Summer Trends We Hope Stay in Summer

Several trends stole the spotlight and cluttered our closets this summer. Some were great and others were…cringe-worthy and I’ll-regret-looking-at-that-photo-by-2012. That’s why it’s time to clean house and get ready for fall.

As you’re prepping your closet for the new crisp weather, here are five summer looks to say “no” to this fall. Read More »


Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: Olivia Palermo is Resplendent in Orange

Every time I see a photo of Olivia Palermo, I remember the days of turning to MTV at 10:00 on Mondays to eagerly soak up the dramz on The Hills, and then immediately going back to my computer the moment The City came on. I’d always have it on in the background and glance up to catch Whitney Port or Olivia making dramatic, over-the-top expressions at each other. And I think Olivia was supposed to be the villian? I never could give The City a real chance to win me over, but Olivia’s status as a socialite keeps her on red carpets all the time, and she has definitely won me over with her classic-yet-modern, dynamic style. Read More »


3 Hot Trends in Summer Accessories

[This post and contest come hot off the Internet presses from our friends at CollegeFashion!]

When it comes to summer 2011′s trendiest pieces of apparel, we’ve already discussed the many benefits of strappy sandals, denim vests, and maxi-everything. However, every CF girl knows that taking the time to accessorize can completely change the look of any outfit – trendy or not.

Not to be outdone by their clothing counterparts, trends in summer 2011 accessories are many! Whether you’re looking to update your summer wardrobe or just want to find out more about what’s in this season, read on! In this post, we’ll break down the 3 hottest summer 2011 accessories trends.


8 Under $20: Summer Shorts

Even on the hottest days, I’m more likely to be seen in a skirt or dress than shorts — the reason being that I’ve just never really been the biggest fan of shorts, because I’ve never seen them as particularly fashionable. Sure, they’re suitable for working out or for a more casual occasion like a sporting event, but not for much else. Or at least that’s the way I used to feel about shorts.

The more and more I see celebrities or other fashionistas wearing shorts, I’ve started to think that my old feelings about them may have been wrong. When styled appropriately, shorts can look cute and even downright chic. And with so many different styles, colors, and patterns of shorts available, like the eight unique styles seen here, there’s a pair out there for everyone!


 


Baggin’ Out: Wayuu Taya Bags

Every girl needs a good purse (or 12). Whether you’re going for groceries or running from class to class, they are simply essential for holding all your, uh, essentials. Each week, I’m going to show you a fashionable, yet functional purse for the college crowd and let you know why you absolutely need it! I apologize ahead of time to your bank account.

Northern Ontario has been experiencing delightfully hot weather this past week. I was finally able to sit outside, enjoy a book and bask in the sunshine. It resulted in a big sunburn on my chest (not so hot), but other than that, it was great! And the best part? Because the weather has been consistently hot, I’ve packed away my winter clothing and purses and busted out my summer gear. That means I’ll be sporting a wardrobe of neon, breezy chiffon, and most importantly, fun summery purses!

I just received my first summer paycheck and have been browsing the web, looking for the perfect summer addition to my handbag collection. I have plenty of neutral, fringed and leather bags and wanted something punchy, yet low maintenance. Cue the Wayuu Taya collection of bags! Read More »


8 Under $20: Colorblocking

Colorblocking is one of the hottest trends this year, and I, for one, am thrilled about it. I love bright colors, but they can be a little intimidating to wear. Colorblocked clothing makes wearing brights simple by pairing multiple coordinating and/or contrasting brights together with neutrals. You don’t even need to do anything but put that ish on!

Colorblocking can be found on everything this season, such as dresses, tops, shoes and accessories! (Note: That does not mean you should wear all of that stuff together. Seriously, don’t.) All of these pieces will help you rock the colorblocking trend, for just $20 or less each!



8 Under $20: Rompers

When rompers first hit runways and stores a few seasons ago, I was pretty skeptical — I wasn’t so sure anyone with any sort of shape could ever pull them off this particular fashion staple from our parents’ days needed a comeback. But they’ve had some pretty good staying power this time around, and I’m starting to think I might have judged rompers too quickly.

For starters, they do seem like the perfect clothing item for summer! Rompers are a complete outfit in just one piece of clothing, they don’t require finding a matching top, and they transition from day to night with just a few simple accessory swaps. It’s like they’re made for those lazy summer days.

I just might have to give rompers a chance after all! And with so many cute rompers available at affordable prices (like all of these, which are just $20 or less each), there’s really no excuse not to!



The Many Ways to Style a Maxi-Dress

Those Baby Phat designers really know how to flatter a woman's body.

I have to be honest, I used to be a little scared of maxi-dresses. Okay, not waking-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night scared, but just a little nervous. They were always one of those trends that I thought looked great on other people – usually tall, gorgeous people – but I’d always been too nervous to try. I also wasn’t really sure if they were my style. While I tend to keep things pretty girly, I also like to go a little edgy with lots of leather and blazers, and I’d always found it was girls with that effortless Nicole Richie boho thing going on that pulled the maxi-dress off best. Then, of course, there was the issue of length and height. I am average height, but I always consider myself a bit of a shortie and I was worried I’d be overwhelmed by this much material.

But then I decided to face my fears head on (and procrastinate studying for exams), so I got myself a maxi-dress and went to town in my closet mixing and matching pieces to make a ton of different looks. And much to my surprise, the dress was not only totally flattering on my body, but also a really versatile piece. You really can do so much with these dresses….the dresses that will now officially be my spring and summer staple (partly because it doesn’t require me to shave my legs).

So, for those of you who’ve also feared the maxi-dress, here are just a few different ways to style ‘em up for every style and occasion: Read More »


Fashion Porn: Getting Down, ’70s Style

Fashion is always repeating itself (hence why I hate throwing things away), and the decade we’ll be seeing again in a big way this year? The ’70s! But have no fear, it’s not quite your parents’ disco fever, white leisure suit, platform-shoes-with-fish-in-the-heels 1970s. The updated, 21st century take on ’70s fashion is much sexier…and with much better fabrics. (See ya never, polyester!)

There are so many ways to channel the disco era without feeling like an extra from Saturday Night Fever. The key is opting for one or two ’70s-inspired pieces, and not an entire outfit, to keep your look modern.

Ready to travel back in time?

Wide-legged pants are big (literally) this year. Many of them have a higher raise, which is a flattering way to disguise any of that freshman 15 (or Top Chef 20) you may have acquired recently. They also look hot with a shirt tucked in. Pretty blouses with billowy sleeves and pretty patterns are another way to incorporate the ’70s trend into your wardrobe. And if you want to show a lot of skin, hot pants are the way to go. Yes, ladies, they’re back, and, surprisingly, quite adorable! (Editor’s Note: just in case you need it, here are some good workouts to get your legs ready for ‘em.)

So let’s get in our fashion DeLorean and head back to the ’70s. Here are 15 pieces to get you started. Read More »


8 Under $20: Crochet

Every year, crochet is a big trend in the spring and summer months, and this year is no exception. This year, it looks especially trendy when paired with the seventies-inspired trends seen on the runways. Crochet gives a boho, hippie vibe that’s perfect for the laid-back days of summer.

Now that we’re just a few weeks away from the official start of spring, crocheted clothing and accessories are popping up in all sorts of stores, and it’s all I can do to stop from buying all of it! Especially at these amazing prices — all of the cute crocheted pieces seen here are just $20 or less! Read More »